How prepared is your business for an emergency? Perhaps you’ve drilled your employees in the proper responses to things like fire and extreme weather, but do you have a plan in place in the event of an attack or armed gunman? Do your employees know what to do if faced with an active shooter?
Unfortunately, recent events have proven that this type of incident is occurring with more frequency and in the most unlikely places. It’s becoming more and more important for business owners to discuss these types of events with their employees and to develop action plans should they occur.
Emergency Preparedness Plans for businesses and public venues now must include procedures for dealing with the frightening possibility of an armed gunman whose only goal is to cause harm.
“Run, Hide, Fight” has become the mantra for active shooter training.
“Run, Hide, Fight” has become the mantra for active shooter training. It represents a 3-part response plan designed to keep the public as safe as possible. It’s an easy-to-remember phrase that can help panicked employees react when there isn’t time to analyze a situation.
RUN – Experts from FEMA and law enforcement agencies agree that evacuating the area immediately around an active shooter is the best plan of action. Do your employees know the best exits from every part of your business? Do you have a rendezvous point established so you can make sure everyone has gotten out safely?
HIDE – If you can’t flee the scene without putting yourself or others in more danger, experts recommend you do your best to be as inconspicuous as possible. Have you reviewed potential safe zones and hiding places with your employees? Do you have a plan of action in place to account for customers and other visitors who might be on sight?
FIGHT – If there is absolutely NO possibility of escape or when no safe shelter is available, the last resort is to attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. Do your employees know the safest way to distract an active shooter?
The Department of Homeland Security has published a booklet entitled “Active Shooter: How to Respond” which contains useful information including what to expect when first responders arrive on the scene. Download it for free from their website.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
No business should have to deal with active shooter situations. Unfortunately, those incidents continue to occur and responsible business owners need to plan accordingly. Do you have your plan in place?
-LG, AlphaGraphics Franklin | March 2016